SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) – Here’s a reason to get your dogs vaccinated if you haven’t already. Several dogs in our area have died from a virus called Parvo.

Parvo is a contagious, deadly disease found within dogs. You can even bring the virus in your home with your shoes. This is why most veterinarians say getting your dog vaccinated is important.

Pam Peebles, director of the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center in Springfield, said, “Ideally, if you have a puppy, get them right into your vet by the time they’re eight weeks old. That’s a perfect time to start and it will be a series of vaccinations, about three to four weeks a part, until they’re four or five months old.”

Peebles also said if you receive an older dog, or already have one, it’s important to vaccinate them as well.

The life-saving Parvo vaccine is usually about $10. However, this Saturday, the Second Chance Animal Shelter will be offering free Parvo vaccinations for the first 500 dogs and rabies vaccines will be offered for $10 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at the U.S. Army Reserve Base at 50 East Street in Springfield.

For more information about this event, contact the Second Chance Animal Shelter: (508)-867-5525